Five people were killed in a horrific aviation accident on Santa Catalina Island after a small airplane crashed shortly after it left Catalina Airport the night of Oct. 8.
According to news reports, the victims who have been identified so far are Haris Ali, 33, of Fullerton, Margaret Mary Fenner, 55, Ali Reza Safai, 73 of West Hills, 34-year-old Gonzalo Lubel.
A fifth victim has not been identified pending notification of family members. Officials said the twin-engine Beechcraft 95-B55 was registered to Safai, who was previously a flight instructor at the now-defunct Santa Monica Aviation at Santa Monica Airport.
Ongoing Crash Investigation
The Los Angeles Times reports that the small plane took off from Santa Monica Airport at 5:57 p.m. Tuesday and landed at Catalina Airport at 6:20. Safai’s wife told NBC4 that he was on board the plane when it crashed.
A Catalina Airport official told the Southern California News Group that the plane was approved to land Tuesday after operating hours. Still, the pilot was not cleared to leave later that evening, which he did.
Just after 8 p.m., sheriff’s officials at the Avalon station on the island got an emergency notification from a cell phone alerting them that the plane had been in a crash involving injuries. Five adults were found dead at the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating this aviation accident.
According to the AP, the pilot did not have clearance to take off. We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased victims. They will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Previous Catalina Airplane Crashes
Catalina has been the site of several serious aviation accidents. In 2002, five people died when an aircraft crashed into a hillside on the island. In that instance, low visibility, light rain, and mist caused the pilot to miss the runway at Catalina Airport on the first try.
In 2008, three people were killed and three others were injured—two of them critically—when a sightseeing helicopter crashed near Two Harbors. The following year, three were killed when a tour airplane crashed in the rain.
Small Plane Crashes Are Concerning
Small plane crashes are a significant concern. According to NTSB data, small aircraft, or general aviation (GA) aircraft, have a higher crash rate than commercial flights. Such aircraft include private, recreational, business, and non-commercial flights.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines small planes as those weighing under 12,500 pounds, which includes single-engine and twin-engine planes commonly used for personal travel.
In 2022, the NTSB reported over 1,100 general aviation accidents, about 20% of which resulted in deaths. This rate has varied but typically averages around 1.05 accidents per 100,000 flight hours.
Accidents are more frequent among amateur pilots, with many crashes occurring during takeoff and landing, considered the riskiest phases of flight. Human factors, such as decision-making under pressure or failure to follow proper procedures, remain key contributors.
Common Causes of Small Plane Accidents
Small plane accidents, particularly in general aviation, can occur due to several factors, with human error and environmental conditions playing significant roles. The most common causes include:
Pilot error is a leading cause of accidents
Human error is the leading cause of small plane accidents, accounting for over half of all incidents. Many crashes occur due to poor decision-making, lack of proper training, or misjudgment during takeoff and landing.
Pilots may overestimate their ability to handle difficult situations, leading to mistakes such as flying into poor weather conditions or failing to follow established procedures and protocols.
Weather conditions play significant role in crashes
Weather plays a significant role in small plane crashes, with visibility, turbulence, and icing being some of the most hazardous factors. Pilots who fly into unexpected weather, especially those not qualified for instrument flight rules (IFR), can lose control of the aircraft or suffer spatial disorientation. Sudden storms or strong winds can also make it difficult to maintain control.
Mechanical failure can contribute to accidents
While less common than human error, mechanical failure can still seriously contribute to small plane accidents. Issues with engines, fuel systems, or control surfaces can cause malfunctions mid-flight, sometimes leaving pilots with little time to react.
Regular and thorough maintenance can help mitigate this risk, but overlooked inspections or deferred repairs may lead to critical failures. Inherent defects in the aircraft can also cause mechanical failures.
Lack of proper maintenance affects safety
Inadequate aircraft maintenance is another contributing factor. Failing to regularly check the condition of key components such as engines, wings, or avionics can lead to preventable accidents, especially in older aircraft. Regular inspections and adherence to maintenance protocols are essential for ensuring safety.
If You’ve Lost a Loved One in an Aviation Accident
Losing a loved one in an aviation accident is a deeply traumatic experience. Navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming. In such a situation, it is important to first take care of yourself emotionally while also understanding the steps to make sure justice is served.
The emotional toll of losing someone in an aviation accident can be immense. Seeking support from family, friends, or professional counselors is essential. Grief can manifest in various ways, and having a network to lean on can help families process the loss.
Many families also find solace in support groups, particularly those specific to aviation-related tragedies, where they can share experiences with others who have faced similar situations. However, the grieving process is unique to each individual.
Aviation accidents, whether involving commercial airlines or small private planes, often need to be extensively investigated. Families may need to engage with law enforcement, the FAA and/or the NTSB to understand what happened and get the needed answers.
In such cases, it may also be in your best interest to consult with an attorney specializing in aviation accident law to help navigate legal complexities, including wrongful death claims or compensation from insurance companies and aviation authorities.
It is important to remember that aviation accidents can involve multiple parties, such as the airline, aircraft manufacturer, or maintenance companies. This means that investigations may be lengthy and complicated.
Documentation, including any available evidence from the crash and communications with authorities, should be organized carefully to support any legal claims.
Although no amount of compensation can replace a loved one, these legal processes may help hold responsible parties accountable and provide financial stability for those left behind. An experienced California personal injury lawyer can help injured victims and families of the deceased better understand their legal rights and options.
Sources:
https://patch.com/california/los-angeles/fifth-catalina-plane-crash-victim-identified
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-10-09/catalina-island-plane-crash
